Foundations and Trends® in Microeconomics > Vol 2 > Issue 3

Economics of Crime

By Erling Eide, Faculty of Law, University of Oslo, Norway | Paul H. Rubin, Department of Economics, Emory University, USA | Joanna M. Shepherd, School of Law Emory University, USA

 
Suggested Citation
Erling Eide, Paul H. Rubin and Joanna M. Shepherd (2006), "Economics of Crime", Foundations and Trends® in Microeconomics: Vol. 2: No. 3, pp 205-279. http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/0700000014

Publication Date: 19 Dec 2006
© 2006 E. Eide, P. H. Rubin and J. M. Shepherd
 
Subjects
Law and Economics
 
Keywords
Law and economicsEconomic behaviorCriminology
 

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In this article:
1 Introduction 
2 The Economics of Criminal Behavior 
3 The Economics of Public Criminal Law Enforcement 
4 Conclusion 
Acknowledgments 
References 

Abstract

This paper starts with a review the economics of criminal behavior. Then, the authors discuss the theory of public enforcement. The economic analysis of criminal behavior and criminal law has been a hugely successful enterprise. As an academic enterprise, it has achieved the goal of research—it has generated a large and growing literature. More important than academic success, however, has been the influence of this branch of learning on actual practice. The understanding of deterrence effects and rational responses by criminals has substantially changed the purpose and functioning of the criminal justice system.

DOI:10.1561/0700000014
ISBN: 978-1-933019-48-2
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Table of contents:
Introduction
1: The Economics of Criminal Behavior
2: The Economics of Public Criminal Law Enforcement
3: Conclusions
References

Economics of Crime

Economics of Crime presents the basic model of criminal behavior and law enforcement. The authors start by reviewing the economics of criminal behavior. Models of criminal behavior applying the model of individual rational behavior are presented. Empirical studies surveyed use regression analyses and employ data from states and police regions down to individuals. These studies tend to support the hypothesis that the probability of punishment and the severity of punishment have a deterrent effect on crime. Methodological problems relating to the assumption of rationality, statistical identification of equations, measurement errors, and operationalization of theoretical variables are discussed. Economics of Crime also review the theory of public enforcement including probability and severity, fines and imprisonment, repeat offenders, incentives of enforcers, enforcement costs and enforcement errors. Economics of Crime is intended for economists and lawyers, practitioners, scholars and students in the field of law and economics, microeconomics, and criminology who wish to learn the basics of the economics of crime, criminal behavior, and law enforcement.

 
MIC-014